Science Sofa “Vertical Water Sponge”: How can we protect inner cities from flooding and heat?
09. Jun 2026
On 9 June 2026, the Fraunhofer Future Foundation invites you to the Science Sofa “Vertical Water Sponge”. The free online event will show how vertical water storage modules on façades and walls can help better protect inner cities from heavy rainfall, flooding and heat.
Heavy rainfall, flooding and increasing heat stress pose major challenges for highly sealed inner cities. The Fraunhofer Future Foundation’s Science Sofa “Vertical Water Sponge” therefore focuses on an innovative approach to sustainable water management and climate adaptation.
The team from the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT will provide insights into the development of vertical water storage modules that can be installed on façades and walls. The modules absorb rainwater like a sponge, store it using a mineral filling granulate and later release it back into the environment through evaporation. In this way, they can help relieve pressure on sewer systems during heavy rainfall events while also improving the microclimate in inner cities through evaporative cooling.
The free online event will take place on 9 June 2026 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and is aimed, among others, at those interested in urban planning, architecture, climate adaptation and sustainable water management.
Further information and registration are available here.